Kings’ Ellis proving he belongs in NBA with patience, professionalism
Kings’ Ellis proving he belongs in NBA with patience, professionalism originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SACRAMENTO — When you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.
That has been the philosophy and mindset of Kings guard Keon Ellis, who continues to make the most of the opportunities presented to him.
Wednesday night presented his sixth start of the 2023-24 NBA season, and second consecutive. His two-way presence helped Sacramento secure the season sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers with a 120-107 win Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center, improving his record as a starter to a perfect 6-0.
“Keon is a true professional,” Kings veteran forward Harrison Barnes said after Sacramento’s win. “To look at his season — to look at the games where he’s getting DNPs and then he’s all of a sudden thrust into the starting lineup having to guard a top player on another team, I think he’s 6-0 as a starter, so probably the highest win percentage in franchise history for a starter.
“But just credit to him for always staying ready and giving this team a lift where we need it defensively.”
Being called a true professional by one of the most professional athletes in sports is telling.
But Barnes isn’t the first to use the word to describe the 24-year-old guard.
Ellis’ maturity and patience have been applauded by his Kings teammates and coaches over the course of the season, and having him in the starting lineup makes the job of one teammate in particular a little easier.
Kings star point guard De’Aaron Fox has taken a dramatic leap in his defensive approach this season, thanks to the push from his defensive-minded coach Mike Brown. And while Fox usually picks up the task of defending the other team’s star guard, having Ellis on the floor frees up that assignment for Fox.
“Like I’ve said before: When Keon’s on the court, good things happen,” Fox said postgame. “The way that he plays and the way that he guards — it’s not normal. The way he’s able to get…
